Online porn ban put on hold

Group, May/Jun 1999 by Martin, Stephanie

PHILADELPHIA-A preliminary injunction recently prevented the Child Online Protection Act from taking effect. The law would put an "electronic brown wrapper" on commercial adult-oriented Web sites by making them verify visitors' ages.

Supporters of COPA, which President Clinton signed last year, say it's needed to keep Internet users under 17 away from sexually explicit materials. Opponents say COPA hinders freedom of speech.

In his ruling, US. District Judge Lowell Reed said, "Perhaps we do the minors of this country harm if First Amendment protections, which they will with age inherit fully, are chipped away in the name of their protection."

Jan LaRue of the Family Research Council says, "It's a sad day in America when the interests of pornographers override the safety and protection of the children."

Adult Web sites gross up to $1 billion a year. The industry is booming because the medium offers privacy and anonymity. Do you agree with this ruling? Why or why not? Do you think COPA will ever become law? Why or why not?

Read Psalm 36:1-4; Proverbs 4:10-15; and Philippians 4:8. How strongly does the Internet influence kids today? Can it lead to sinful thoughts? sinful behaviors? What's an appropriate solution: self-control? limiting use? careful monitoring? censorship? Explain. Is it better to avoid the Internet rather than risk exposure to evil? Why or why not?

Read Luke 2:41-50; Romans 16:17-19; and Ephesians 4:22-24. Who should be responsible for placing boundaries or curbs on Internet content? At what age should children make their own media decisions? Should people of any age be exposed to online obscenity? Explain.

Read Daniel 6:11-12 and Romans 13:1-5 together. Is COPA oppressive censorship or a necessary safeguard? Explain. Will any good it does outweigh any dangers of censorship? Why or why not? Is government involvement appropriate or necessary? Why or why not? Neither the Bible nor the Constitution mention the Internethow do we know how to apply the truths in them to this issue?

Do you avoid offensive material online? Are you willing to accept restrictions on your Intemet habits? Why or why not?